‘On a long road, pray for me’: Damar Hamlin posted on Instagram for the first time since his cardiac arrest on Monday as he thanked fans for ‘so much’ love and support and these vows will make me strong’
Damar Hamlin posted on social media for the first time since his cardiac arrest on Monday, thanking fans for the support he received in an emotional statement.
Hamlin wrote: ‘When you put true love into the world, it comes back to you 3x.
‘The love is overwhelming but I am thankful for every person who prayed for me and reached out to me. We turned the world behind it.
If you know me, you know this is the only thing that makes me stronger. In a long way keep praying for me.’
Damar Hamlin spoke out on social media for the first time since his cardiac arrest
It comes as the Buffalo Bills also released an update on Saturday with positive news on the 24-year-old’s health.
“According to physicians at UC Medical Center, Damar continues to make progress in his recovery but remains in critical condition,” the statement said.
‘He continues to breathe on his own and his neurological function is excellent.’
The Bills were given a big surprise on Friday when Hamlin spoke to them via FaceTime, saying ‘love you boys’ and flexing his arm muscles following the removal of his breathing tube.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott spoke to the press after the contact with Hamlin and tried to describe the scene to reporters, but admitted he ‘probably couldn’t do it justice.’
‘It was amazing, touching, to see Damar,’ McDermott began. ‘No. 1, through my own eyes. I knew that was something I was looking forward to, I felt like I had to see. And then watch the reaction in the room with the players and the staff and the team.’
Hamlin collapsed and had to be resuscitated on the field after suffering cardiac arrest following a tackle on Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins in the first quarter of a Monday Night Football matchup.
The Bills player was rushed to hospital and Higgins led the well wishes sent to Hamlin on Twitter, writing: ‘My prayers and thoughts go out to @HamlinIslandthe Hamlin Family. I’m praying that you get through bro. Love.’
On the play the 6-foot, 200-pound Hamlin was injured, Higgins led with his right shoulder, hitting the defensive back in the chest. Hamlin then wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulders and helmet to pull him down.
Hamlin stood up quickly, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, and then fell backwards about three seconds later and was motionless.
The Bills safety was surrounded by players from both sides and treated for 16 minutes before being immobilized and taken off the field. As medical personnel gathered around Hamlin, his playing uniform was ripped off.
Players on both teams were visibly stunned by the incident and many were in tears on the field.
Several players embraced, including quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati. The game was postponed by the NFL and has since been canceled.
The Bills return to action on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, players for the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs warmed up wearing No 3 shirts in honor of Hamlin before Saturday’s game.
